Master of Science in Information Science (2024)

Important Announcement: Program Name Change

Please note that the Master of Science in Information Management program will be undergoing a name change in 2024. The program will now be known as theMaster of Science in Information Science.

Information Science is a broader term that encompasses various specialty areas, including information management.This name change reflects our commitment to providing a comprehensive education in the field.The MSIS degree focuses on key areas including information management and policy, data analytics and user-experience.The specific areas of concentrations will also be updated to reflect our strengths and ensure students can target their program to a specific area of interest.

This name change appliesONLYto the MSIS(formerly MSIM). There areno changes to the accredited MLIS degreenor is the school shifting its primary focus from its long-held mission to educate future professional librarians.

While this change is already reflected on some university platforms, we are in the process of updating our website to ensure consistency.

The diploma will reflect the title "Master of Science in Information Science" for all MSIM/MSIS students graduating in 2024 or later.

For applicantspursuing the MSIS degree, please selectInformation Science - Master of Science (on-line)as your program of interest.We appreciate your understanding during this transition.

For questions, please contact MSIM/MSIS Program Coordinator Nic DePaula at ndepaula@wayne.edu.

Master of Science in Information Science (1)Are you interested in the intersection of people, data and technology? Today, information is a crucial resource for employees in all industries.

The Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) at the Wayne State University School of Information Sciences will prepare students to be successful in data-intensive and user-centric environments in the information technology industry.

"There isn't an organization today that doesn't depend on information as an important strategic resource. And that is only going to increase as we move into the future, so the more information literate you are, the more marketable you will be for organizations throughout your entire career." Professor Stephen Bajjaly

We prepare students to support data-driven problem solving and decision making in diverse fields.

In the growing field of Information Management, there is a need for professionals who understand complex social and organizational issues. Information managers work in all industries at the intersection of people, technology, processesand data that enable our data-driven society to function.

Master of Science in Information Science (2)

"I would recommend a career in information management because it represents the foundation of our modern economy. Wherever you look, information is something that is key to everything that we do now." Alumnus Daren Hubbard, vice president for information technology and chief information officer at Princeton University

Requirements & Practicum

The 30-credit MSIS degree includes four required courses and a variety of elective courses that are organized intospecializations.Students are free to combine elective courses from the various specializations to craft a customized Plan of Work that satisfies the student's particular interests and professional goals.

While it's not required, students who lack experience in the field should consider completing a practicum a 3-credit class that integrates students' classroom learning with real-world work experience. The MSIS practicum coordinator places students with a relevant host institution under the direction of an information management professional.

Our program is offered completely online and is ideal for working professionals.


Specializations

  • Web-based Information Services Explore a variety of tools and online solutions that bring people andMaster of Science in Information Science (3) information together.
  • Heath Informatics and Data Management Contribute to and support teams in healthcare, teaching, research, policy development, management and scientific transformation.
  • Data Analytics Work with large data sets to uncover insights that drive decision making.
  • User Experience Understand users of online communities and digital media to design or improve online services for their organizations.


Learning Outcomes

Through core classes and a variety of specializations, students will develop the skills necessary to assess, adopt and utilize information Master of Science in Information Science (4)technologies to obtain insights and develop positive user experiences.

Our students learn how to:

  • Utilize and assess technologies for the creation, production, manipulation, modeling, mining, analysis, control, distribution, accessand use of information.
  • Leverage databases and datasets to uncover and present insights that drive decision-making.
  • Apply principles and methods towards assessing and designing information services and products for better user experiences.
  • Analyze how information policies affect information creation, production, control, protection, distribution, access, use and evaluation in different socio-technical contexts.
  • Develop independent learning skills and appreciate the need for lifelong learning of information technologies.

Career Paths

Information managers use leading-edge technology solutions, oversee people and processes, and manage large datasets to supportMaster of Science in Information Science (5) data-driven decision making in all types of businesses, including government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Information managers act as data stewards to ensure that information is accurate, current, complete and secure.

Potential Jobs:


Want More Information?

Thank you for your interest in the School of Information Sciences. We would like to provide you with a Prospective Student Packet that contains useful information about our academic programs and career opportunities in the information profession.

Please complete this form to receive an information packet by mail as well as a link to download the digital version.

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Attend one of our virtual information sessions or contact the School of Information Sciences at asksis@wayne.eduif you have additional questions about the program.

Master of Science in Information Science (2024)

FAQs

Is a masters in information science worth it? ›

According to the data, professionals with information technology and business skills are in high demand, making this degree an excellent investment for those looking to advance in the IS field.

How valuable is a masters in information systems? ›

An information systems degree is highly useful as it equips professionals with the skills needed to advance in various industries. Graduates often see significant career benefits, including greater job opportunities, higher earning potential, and the ability to address complex technological challenges.

How useful is an information science degree? ›

As an Information Science major, you can expect to work in roles such as data analyst, information architect, systems analyst, database administrator, or even user experience (UX) designer, to name a few. These professions are well-regarded and often come with competitive salaries.

Is getting your master's in library science hard? ›

From what I can tell, a master's degree in library science isn't a particularly “hard” degree. We're not medical doctors; we aren't solving math equations. I wouldn't say a librarian's labor is particularly difficult to perform. But it does require special skills, knowledge, patience, and a call to service.

What can I do with a master's degree in information science? ›

Career Possibilities
  1. Data Scientist/Data Analytics.
  2. Data Science Engineer.
  3. Information Assurance Analyst.
  4. Health Science Specialist.
  5. Audiovisual Specialist.
  6. Chief Information Officer.
  7. Competitive Intelligence Specialist.
  8. Database Applications Specialist/Designer.

Does MIS need coding? ›

While coding concepts represent some of the fundamental principles of information systems development, implementation, and use, many jobs in MIS do not utilize coding at all.

How hard is an information science degree? ›

Are information systems degrees hard? Most specialized computer science and technology fields have a reputation for being challenging, including information systems. However, you may find yourself at an academic advantage if you have a strong background in mathematics, programming, and computer science.

Does information science pay well? ›

As of Jun 8, 2024, the average hourly pay for an Information Science in California is $37.96 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $63.58 and as low as $5.22, the majority of Information Science salaries currently range between $29.42 (25th percentile) to $50.29 (75th percentile) in California.

Is information science better than computer science? ›

You may find yourself comparing computer information systems vs computer science. While the two degrees do overlap, computer science programs generally give students a more thorough and complex knowledge of the design of computers and computational processes.

Do you really need a masters to work in a library? ›

You do need to earn a master's degree in library science (MLIS) to be eligible for many professional librarian positions. This includes librarian positions in most academic, public, and special libraries. As a librarian, you're finding information and organizing and synthesizing it.

Is it hard to pass a master's? ›

It's not easy. And not everyone who attempts a Master's program will actually complete their degree. Below are some of the most common hurdles to success we've seen. Procrastinators will quickly find that the constant, high volume of reading, writing, and research means that falling behind is not an option.

How much more difficult is a master's degree? ›

How Hard is a Masters Degree? It's true that a Masters is a big step up from an undergraduate degree. With a condensed timetable, less contact time and more focus on self-study, it's very different from what you've done before. But that doesn't mean you can't do it!

Is a Masters in Information Security worth IT? ›

Employers are willing to pay a premium for cybersecurity, network security, and information assurance skills, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals keeps growing. The average master's in cybersecurity salary is high, and jobs in cybersec and information security tend to be quite stable.

Is IT a good idea to get a masters in data science? ›

Generally speaking, data science is an industry in which those with advanced degrees have more career opportunities. This is likely because a large percentage of data scientists hold a master's degree which means increased competition for job opportunities.

What to do with a master's degree in information systems? ›

  1. Programmer.
  2. Systems analyst.
  3. Database manager.
  4. Computer specialist.
  5. Network administrator.
  6. Software developer.
  7. Project lead.
  8. Information technology consultant.

Does information science have coding? ›

Information Science and Engineering are the overarching and broader terms used to describe any field that involves the manipulation of Information. It just so happens that this generally involves a computer. Programming and coding are some of the ways you manipulate information.

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